Educator Licensure Regulations
Programs leading to educator licensure at Lesley University are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE). Massachusetts is a member state of the NASDTEC and a signatory of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which facilitates the transfer of educator licensure between member states (not necessarily immediate reciprocity). Depending on your professional goals, where you plan to reside or teach, and the licensure structures that exist within that state, there are different pathways to licensure that may be relevant, including additional coursework, required tests, assessments, and classroom experience.
We strongly encourage prospective applicants who intend to pursue licensure to review Licensure Information documents for their respective programs of interest prior to applying to the program. This is in accordance with Lesley University’s participation in SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and with federal regulations.
The Lesley Certification and Educator Licensure Office is located within the Graduate School of Education, 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge. The Certification and Educator Licensure website is the primary source for information on educator licenses. The process for applying for Initial and Professional licenses, and information regarding both licensure and Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are highlighted. Information regarding adding a license, license renewal, and licensure regulations outside Massachusetts is also available, along with the latest MTEL information and study resources. This website has MTEL workshop and math course schedules and registration instructions. Specific links to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education keep the Lesley community aware of current and emerging changes to regulations and procedures.
All teacher licensure programs are aligned to the Professional Standards for Teachers (PSTs) and subject matter knowledge (SMK) standards. Programs are subject to revision based on ESE guidance and changes to regulations.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA ESE) is located at 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA. Due to COVID-19 precautions ESE's Walk-in Welcome Center Service Counter may be closed. Candidates are advised to call 781.338.6600, Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (hours may vary; check the Office of Educator Licensure website for updates). ESE's 24-hour automated line can be reached at 781.338.3000; press "2" to obtain the status of an existing license application.
Amy Stratman, the Certification and Regulatory Affairs Officer, can be reached at cert_off@lesley.edu.